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Elections

Local Government Elections

The 2021 Local Government Election was held on Saturday, 28 August 2021 where the 2021-2025 West Arnhem Regional Council was voted in. The election, which is held every four years, will have a significant impact on community members in the region. Not only does it provide opportunities for community members to become advocates for their communities by running for Councillor positions in Kakadu, Minjilang, Warruwi, Gunbalanya and Maningrida, the election also provides West Arnhem residents with an opportunity to choose Councillors who will make important decisions that affect the wellbeing of communities in the region.

Ubirr at sunset 561 x 480

2025 Local Government Election

The 2025 Local Government Elections will be held in August across 16 councils throughout the Northern Territory. 

This election is particularly significant as twelve new elected Members will represent the five West Arnhem wards, forming the new West Arnhem Regional Council.

Key Dates:

Date: Event
Friday, 11 July 2025 Nominations open
Tuesday, 22 July 2025 Electoral roll closes
Thursday, 31 July 2025  Nominations close
Friday, 1 August 2025 Declaration of Nominations
Monday, 11 August 2025 Mobile voting and Early voting commence
Saturday, 23 August 2025 Election Day
Monday, 8 September 2025 Declaration of election results

 

Voting Schedule:

Location  Date  Time 
Ji-Malawa 12 August 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ji-Marda  12 August 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Mumeka 13 August 2025 9:00am - 10:00am
Yikarrakkal  13 August 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kolorbidahdah 13 August 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Buluhkaduru  14 August 2025 9:00am - 10:00am
Bolkdjam  14 August 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm
Gochan Jiny-Jirra 14 August 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Ji-Bena 14 August 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Mala'la Aged Care  15 August 2025 9:00am - 10:00am
Gamardi  15 August 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Warruwi  15 August 2025  9:30am – 2:30pm 
Maningrida New Sub 18 August 2025  10:00am – 5:00pm 
Maningrida MPA 19 August 2025  8:30am – 4:30pm 
Maningrida MPA 20 August 2025  8:30am – 4:30pm 
Maningrida MPA 21 August 2025  8:30am – 4:30pm 

Please note, voting is not required in the Minjilang, Gunbalanya and Kakadu Wards. 

Voting Information

Your vote shapes your community’s future - get involved and make your voice heard in the 2025 Local Government Elections!

Remote voting services will be available from 11 to 22 August 2025 to ensure everyone can participate.

To find your closest voting centre, visit the Northern Territory Electoral Commission website or check your local community noticeboards.

Candidates

For the full list of candidates in the 2025 Local Government elections, visit NTEC Candidate summary table for all councils | NTEC

Voting is Compulsory

All eligible voters must participate in the Northern Territory Local Government elections. If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid reason, you may receive a fine under the Local Government Act.

All candidate details and resources are available on the Northern Territory Electoral Commission website

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For More Information

To get more information about the elections, including links to frequently asked questions, information about how to nominate to become a Councillor, and quick tips on how to vote, please visit the Northern Territory Election Commission website.